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One step backwards for blog-kind

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Son of a Meech (vol xxv)

Son of a Meech (vol. xxiv)

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Federalisme Rentable: Landry signs up

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Name This Magazine

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Good Morning Springton—are you ready to… talk federal finance!

Budget 2005

March 09, 2005

This pizza is getting cold

Posted by andrew at March 9, 2005 11:50 AM

Some of you may recall that, a while ago, there was a cabinet minister named Judy Sgro. She got into a bit of hotwater over allegations over strippers, immigration certificates, free pizza, and so on. We were told, back in 2004, that the Ethics Commissioner was looking into it. As long ago as January, we were told that he would report back "within a month."

We're still waiting. A visit to the EC's website, under the "what's new?" link has, as its most recent posting, the announcement of the EC's appointment last March. Most of the material on the site still refers to the position as the "ethics counsellor," which it was under Howard Wilson, who reported directly to the PM.

So this morning, I called the Office of the Ethics commissioner and made some inquiries, especially relating to the status of the Sgro file. After being transferred twice, I finally found someone who would speak to me. I asked three questions:

Q. Has the Ethics Commissioner completed his inquiry into the Sgro file?
A. No.

Q. Any idea when he might be finished?
A. No.

Q. Any idea when the public might be informed of the results?
A. No.


This is accountability?

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Reader comments:

Wow, you actually called? That's impressive! Inquiring minds like Potter's must know. I wonder how many people actually call. I wonder if there really is an inquiry. I wonder if they're hoping everyone will just forget all about the Sgro affair, so they can look good and SAY they'll check into it, but really they just blow it off and we're none the wiser. So many questions!

Posted by: annette at March 9, 2005 02:39 PM

•

It's funny. I just got annoyed that a) we hadn't heard anything, and b) the website was 6 months out of date. So I just picked up the phone and called. But it was pretty obvious: the *second* I mentioned Sgro, the person I was speaking to said "um, let me transfer you". That happened twice, till I got some cheese who just shut me down completely. Yes the investigation continues. No idea when it'll be done. No idea when the public or parliament will hear about it. Thanks for your call.

Posted by: andrew at March 9, 2005 03:06 PM

•

Andrew -- you're setting a dangerous precedent for actual journalism on this blog. If I have to start backing up my vague accusations with anything more than a Google search, this is going to turn into real work before too long.

Posted by: john_d at March 9, 2005 03:34 PM

•

I know -- pretty impressive huh? I was getting a bit tired of the old, "field of vision = field of complaint" school of blogging.

But that's enough of that. This concludes my foray into the world of investigation. Headwaiter rants will resume tomorrow.

Posted by: andrew at March 9, 2005 04:02 PM

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Beware: journalism can be addictive. Get an actual answer to a question you'll be hooked.

Posted by: Julie at March 10, 2005 08:04 AM

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